Court discusses smoking

Court discusses smoking Brian Smith Wed, 04/17/2024 - 8:41 am   Jack County Judge Keith Umphress, left, speaks to Commissioner Henry Birdwell. Jack County Commissioners took no action on the county overall policy on tobacco and smoking. As part of the April 8 meeting, Jack County Sheriff’s Office officials approached Judge Keith Umphress noting the JCSO policy states no smoking in patrol units. The department does have smokers but they usually smoke outside the vehicle, Chief Deputy Chris Reger said. A JCSO employee was found to have recently smoked in a unit and the issue was addressed. Umphress said with the concept of vaping becoming more prevalent he contacted the Texas Association of Counties and was given ordinance wording if the issue came up. Presently no smoking is allowed in the courthouse or within 10 feet of any courthouse entrance. He was concerned about smoking and/or vaping in county vehicles or equipment. Precinct 3 Commissioner Henry Birdwell said he wasn’t going to contest it in his precinct equipment saying “good road hands are hard to find.” Precinct 1 Commissioner Gary Oliver said his road hands may use spit cups which doesn’t smell like smoke. Both Precinct 4 Commissioner Terry Ward and Precinct 2 Commissioner Kenny Salazar said they don’t have any problem with it in their precinct equipment. It’d be good to have something on the books in case a department did, however,” County Auditor Lisa Perry said. When asked by Umpress about the city policy on this, Jacksboro City Manager Mike Smith said the city has a zero tolerance policy about smoking or vaping in city vehicles. Umphress said he believed there should be a standard policy across the board. “Either you do it or you don’t,” Umphress said. After some more discussion, no action was taken on the item. Photo/Brian Smith